Alma record. (Alma, Mich.) 1878-1928, 1887-10-28

tween us. But how fun OF hopeless pain
was Margaret : glance. And then, hit 10y
bit, she cOniided TO me the story, which,
in her view, constituted an insurmount-
Die obstacle in the path Of my happiness.
she had prodgal brother, who had only
escaped condign punishment for his mis-
demeanors by oppor,une disappearance.
The burden of vicarious shame lay heavy
on her soul, and she most resolutely pur-
posed 10 bear the load alone.
1--WE know nothing Of Jacks where
abouts or mode of life now" she said;
land il is my daily dread that some new
disgrace may yet come upon Us. | Will
not expose another 10 this mksome risk
Ny temerity surely tranSgrcssed the
bounds of courtesy. but YOU married
Mr.. BriStowe$' | said
The delicate oval features were muntled
with vivid blush, and l construed the
sign rs chiefly one of anger. 1t lad II
very different and, for me, a less awkward
explanation.
Poor Dick will not say one harsh
word of him., she murmurcd But ]
did not-girl as / was-care for Dick as a
woman ought To care for the man she
HarrIes. rae was my TaJncrs choice for
me, and he had knowledge OF my
brothers escapades, which we wished
buried in silence. "
And you were the sacrifice"
There was no denial If Jack would
come home and reform, father would for
give him even the affair Of the Jewels.
You saw me try to sell the sham ones,
wickedly and cleverly put in the place Of
the real gems, Margaret murmured. 1T
was cruel trick, for money was wanted
then. Father was i'll, and there were
Jacks other dctalcat!ons TO make up.
thought saw my brother once in uniform,
rs common soldier, but probably was
mistaken. 1t was at a railway station
And | was there, too;'
ayes. Z"
1t was the opportunity for giving an nc
count of Private Eastlcigh and of his re-
quest; and in avoice consciously vibrating
with excitement, | unburdened myself OF
the recollection.
Dick the guilty one And we both
were blindcdr'
But, Mrs Brstowe, can you be certain
Of this soldiers identtyy
Il think SO, Margaret answered
- Eastleigh was my mothers maiden
name; it was natural for Jack TO assume
that. But, oh, tell me-what became of
hmf"
Suspense approaching agony was in the
tones. Jack Raine was loved still in
spite of his faults. l fastened 10 relieve
the tension.
''He was much better the next morn
ing, and l believe recovered | said.
but lie was not properly in my charge.
| had duties elsewhere; and | nave not
seen him since But il is nearly GER
tanty that YOU saw him on the occasion
you have mentioned If / find him for
j. "A fi If.fi ion a. nj
jack makes good his statement Of limo
cpce, ri which / have TO doubt-will
ybu then grant me my desire, Margaret
Sweetest Of monosyllables was my girls
low Yes
Postscript, year after, by Mrs Mar
garet Bruton: Amongst some old pa
pers that Frank has brought from his den
in Great Gamble, High street, TO our nest,
SO prettily named Woodbine villa, there
was the above Frank says that as far
as he is concerned it is complete and
veracious history, ending as he had sug-
gested il might, with my reply to n GER
lain question. Neracious ii may be, but
complete it certainly is rot But he is
obstinate, and refuses TO add single line
Of sequel. There is a spare half page,
however, and am toiling 10 make good
Franks indolent neglect.
Private Eastleigh was indeed my long
lost brother Frank had very little dill
Guilty in finding him. knowing so well in
what quarterto apply Jack was ignorant
Of my first marriage ana of his cousin
Dicks death 1t seemed that pride
and mistaken notion that my
fathers resentment was implUcablc
kept him from communicating with
US lie has now made it very
clear that he was rather sinncd against
THAI SHINING, though lac was too noble to
accuse Dick at the time. il was unncCcs-
Sary TO purchase his discharge, as his time
of service was nearly expired and lac has
now settled down in n mercantile appoint
-lcnt, sobcrCd and repcntant of bis past
fu,lics. And this. and more, much more,
We owe 10 my self willcd provoking, no
bla hearted husband. "-Chambers' Jour
u9l